People spilled out of the ballrooms and into the hallways. About 2,000 Democrats attended the results watch party at the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque.

Folks celebrated Democratic victories even before they were certain. Sam Bregman said at just after 8 p.m., still early in the evening, that presidential candidate Mitt Romney was "on the ropes" and would be defeated.

City Councilor Ken Sanchez was all smiles as he worked the room, as did Brian Colon and many other Democrat candidates, officials and campaign workers. State Rep. Gail Chasey, who was re-elected to her legislative seat was beaming from ear to ear, not just for herself but newly elected congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Lujan Grisham said the progressive core values need to reach a broad group of citizens. "And the kinds of issues that we need to be passionate about are for women and people of color and persons in poverty. These are the issues I am going to be so proud to work on."

When voters hit the polls countrywide, they’ll see at least three options for president. One of them is former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson. As the Libertarian candidate, he’s pitching himself as fiscally conservative and socially liberal.

“I'm going to be the only candidate that doesn't want to bomb Iran. I'm going to be the only candidate that wants to get out Afghanistan now—and the wars. I'm going to be the only candidate that wants to end the drug war. I'm going to be the only candidate that wants to bring about marriage equality, believing that it’s a constitutionally guaranteed right.”

Ex-guv is ready to throw down with the donkeys and elephants

By Marisa Demarco

Gary Johnson changed his party affiliation and became the Libertarian presidential candidate in May. He needs to poll at 15 percent to get into the televised debates between ex-Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and President Obama. The Libertarian candidate for president spoke with the Alibi about how his new party is working out, his opinion of Gov. Susana Martinez and what minimal government really means.